Alcohol, Medication and Older Adults
For Those Who Care About or Care for an Older Adult
Module 3: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications - Page 11 of 13
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter drugs (also called OTCs) are drugs people buy at the drug store or supermarket that do not require a prescription. Examples of OTCs commonly used by older adults include:
- Pain relievers such as Aspirin, Tylenol, and ibuprofen
- Sleeping aids
- Cold remedies, including decongestants, antihistamines, and combination remedies
- Antacids
- Laxatives
- Vitamins, particularly with iron supplements
Older adults are more susceptible than younger people to side effects from OTCs just as they are to the side effects of prescription drugs.
- The stomach does not absorb food and medicine as well.
- The kidneys do not eliminate fluid and toxins as efficiently.
- Lung capacity is reduced, increasing the effects of smoking.
- The immune system slows down, increasing the chance of getting new infections.
- Vision and hearing may decrease, increasing the chances of taking an OTC improperly.
Common Side Effects of Over-the-Counter Medications for Older Adults
| Over-the-Counter Medications | Possible Side Effect if Mixed With Alcohol or Prescription Medicines |
|---|---|
|
Pain relievers Aspirin - Bayer, Excedrin, Anacin Acetaminophen-Tylenol Ibuprofen - Advil, Motrin Aleve Bufferin |
Aspirin and ibuprofen, when mixed with alcohol can cause internal bleeding, such as stomach ulcers. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can increase blood pressure. Tylenol can contribute to liver damage when used with alcohol. Pain relievers may mask symptoms of chronic pain, better treated by a physician. |
|
Sleeping aids Sleep-Eze, Sominex |
Use over time may cause liver and kidney problems. Sleeping aids used with alcohol can cause heart problems, decreased breathing, confusion, and difficulty with arousal. Sleeping aids may mask symptoms or trigger symptoms of clinical depression, better treated by a physician. |
|
Laxatives Ex-Lax |
May dehydrate by causing the loss of too much fluid. |
|
Antacids Tums, Pepcid AC |
May alleviate some symptoms but may mask cause of discomfort. |
|
Cold remedies Robitussin, NyQuil |
Cough syrups and decongestants may contain alcohol, which may interact poorly with other drugs. Cold medicines may affect the central nervous system, causing dizziness, or blurred vision. |
| Vitamins | May be overused, causing vitamin "poisoning." |
|
Herbal remedies Gingko biloba, St. John's wort |
Some herbal remedies can interact with prescription drugs, causing harm. Some may increase bleeding problems. Tell the doctor about any herbal remedies used. |
Safe use of medicine, both prescription and over-the-counter medications, requires vigilance by the older adult and the caregiver.
Link to The Alcohol Content of Over-The-Counter-Medications: www.sdsuduip.com/meds.html
Home | Courses | How to Use | Contact Us
For questions or comments, please visit our Contact Us page.
Last Updated: 11/4/03
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
